At FC Barcelona, Jules Koundé is currently only a reserve player. FC Bayern is said to be closely monitoring the situation of the French defensive star.
FC Bayern could once again look to Spain for reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window. Jules Koundé of FC Barcelona is said to have caught the Munich club’s attention. According to the Catalan newspaper SPORT , Bayern is monitoring the 27-year-old’s current situation.
Rumors of interest from the German record champions had already surfaced in Spain last summer. At the time, however, Sky had denied such reports. Now, Koundé is reportedly actually being considered as a potential candidate in Munich—especially in the event of personnel changes in the center of defense.
Specifically, the focus is on Minjae Kim. Transfer rumors continue to swirl around the South Korean. Among others, AC Milan and Aston Villa are reportedly showing interest. Should Kim leave Bayern Munich this winter or, at the latest, next summer, Koundé could come into play as a replacement, according to SPORT.
However, an imminent departure by Kim seems by no means certain at this point. The 29-year-old is said to have already turned down lucrative offers this past summer and feels at home in Munich. Although Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano are generally ranked ahead of him, Kim has started several times this season and has performed convincingly.
Koundé has lost his starting spot at Barça
The situation is quite different for Koundé. Under Hansi Flick, the French international has lost his starting spot at FC Barcelona. Most recently, he sat on the bench for the entire duration of three consecutive matches. In eight games, Koundé has started only twice.
Flick currently prefers Eric Garcia at right back. The Spaniard himself recently hinted that this development wasn’t entirely unexpected: “Flick already warned me this year that I’d be playing more often as a fullback.”
Koundé is also said not to have returned to Barcelona in peak physical condition after the World Cup. For Bayern, his versatility could be particularly appealing. The Frenchman can play both as a center back and at right back. According to SPORT , this is precisely the kind of profile that is valued in Munich.
A potential transfer, however, would be anything but straightforward. Koundé still has a long-term contract with FC Barcelona that runs through 2030. Whether Bayern actually makes a move as early as this winter will therefore likely depend on how Kim’s future unfolds.